Our scripture reading for this coming Sunday is all about being prepared.  It’s a parable toward the end of Matthew’s gospel and one in a set of three parables that focuses on what’s called the Parousia or the “end times.” We’ve all experienced, and are likely still experiencing, the heaviness of these days that mirror back to us our deep divisions.  How might Jesus’ words from this quirky and unsettling parable give us guidance, inspiration…light?

Sunday is a special day in the life of the Church as we will be celebrating All Saints Sunday. The United Methodist Church understands “saints” in the New Testament sense of the word which includes Christians of all places and times. I encourage you in these coming days to spend some time reflecting on the saints of your life. Find some quiet time and invite the memory of those people to return to your heart, mind and spirit. Remember the ways that their wisdom, love, guidance or witness has shaped you and your faith.

Our scripture passage for Sunday is the parable of the widow’s mite. Jesus pointed her out and said that her gift was greater than any other because she gave it out of her poverty rather than out of abundance.

This year we have the privilege and joy of having Caryn Blanton, co-chair of Shoreline Community Services, share the message for Laity Sunday. For those of you who have met Caryn, you know that she has a keen sense of organizing, an unflappable commitment to helping those in our community who are most vulnerable and a deep faith that drives her work.  For those of you who don’t know Caryn, I’m glad you’ll get a chance to meet her.  She inspires me as I seek to answer my call with faithfulness and integrity.  I trust that she’ll be an inspiration to you as well.  

We’ll spend some time on Sunday contemplating what it means to think about scarcity and abundance in the midst of a pandemic.  How does COVID-19 affect our hopes and dreams, our vision and planning for ministry in 2021?  Will we have enough?  As individuals?  As a congregation?  What is God’s call in this unique time and will we be able to answer it?  

Our scripture this week can be jolting to those of us who are especially devoted to that which is “fair.” It invites us to ponder the nature of God’s grace.

Our scripture this week can be jolting to those of us who are especially devoted to that which is “fair.” It invites us to ponder the nature of God’s grace.

Our California-Pacific Annual Conference has developed and shared a worship service that centers our hearts, minds and spirits on the issues of systemic injustice and racism.  While racism is deeply rooted in the history of our country, our culture, our institutions, our churches and our communities, this year has stirred, troubled and, at times, shattered our hearts in unique ways. God calls us to seek what is right and just for all His children; He calls us to a place…

“Who do you say that I am?” When Jesus asks this of his disciples, Simon answers without hesitation, and Jesus names him Peter, his “rock.” In your spiritual journey, have you sensed a “change of name” or a change of identify?